NST Leader: Threats won't end the slaughter in Gaza

New Straits Times

2 days ago

PRESSURE is piling on Israel as its warmongering leader Benjamin Netanyahu goes on a bloody rampage to drive the 2.3 million Palestinians out of the Gaza Strip. The latest to do so is Asean after the Gulf Cooperation Council called on the bloc to support Palestinian rights at the Asean-GCC-China Summit on Tuesday.
On Wednesday, Germany, an ironclad ally of Israel, delivered the "most severe rebuke yet over Gaza", saying the country would not export weapons that are used to break humanitarian law, reported Reuters. Berlin's about-turn is attributed to the European Union's ongoing review of its Israeli policy.
Germany is said to be selling about 30 per cent of Tel Aviv's weapons imports. Britain, France and Canada are also threatening "concrete actions" against Israel.
Rebukes are good, but they must be followed by deeds. To stop at mere threats would not end Israel's atrocities against the Palestinians. Besides, to do so in the face of war crimes is to be morally and legally irresponsible.
War crimes they certainly are, confirmed former Israeli prime minister Ehud Olmert in an op-ed he wrote in Israeli newspaper Haaretz, quoted by The Guardian. Calling Netanyahu the head of a criminal gang, he said Israel is engaged in indiscriminate, cruel and criminal killings of civilians.
Yes, Israel is committing war crimes, he wrote. The British newspaper also quoted Israel's Democratic Party leader Yair Golan as telling an Israeli broadcaster that "a sane country doesn't fight against civilians, does not kill babies as a hobby, and does not give itself the aim of expelling populations".
If more evidence is what the European leaders are waiting for, it was provided in an open letter sent to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday by prominent lawyers, academics and former judges, including two from the country's highest court. They are clear about their conclusion: genocide is being perpetrated in Gaza, or at a minimum, there is a serious risk of genocide occurring.
All states, including the United Kingdom, are legally obliged to take all reasonable steps within their power to prevent and punish genocide, to ensure respect for international humanitarian law and to bring an end to violations of international law.
To date, the UK has failed to meet the standards, the letter concludes. So have others in Europe, we add.
The legal practitioners in the UK want Starmer's government to take five "concrete actions".
First, use all available means to secure an immediate, permanent and unconditional ceasefire and ensure the unconditional and unimpeded resumption of aid.
Second, lift Israel's ban on the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees.
Third, impose financial and immigration sanctions on Israeli ministers, military personnel and civil personnel reasonably suspected of involvement in unlawful acts.
Fourth, review trade ties with Israel; suspend the 2030 Roadmap for closer UK-Israel partnership; and impose trade sanctions on Israel.
Finally, confirm that the UK will adhere to its obligation to execute arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court. This is crucial because without being held accountable, Israel will continue to massacre Palestinians with impunity, as it is doing in Gaza.
Britain and the EU have the power to end the slaughter in Gaza. They must exercise their power.